When you think of traveling to Washington, visiting the beach is probably not the first activity that comes to mind. Most people picture long days of hiking and camping out in the beautiful wooded areas around the state which it is known for. But there are also many beautiful beaches that you can spend your days at along the coast.

Set your destination for the coast of Washington, find yourself accommodations through Resort Management Association or even a small bed and breakfast that is off the beaten path for more privacy, and grab your beach bag for a little R and R.

Here are some of the best beaches along the Washington Coast:

Alki Beach

Located near Seattle, Alki Beach is as close as you can get to the southern-California beach style this far north. There is even a paved area for skaters, cyclists and walkers along the sandy beach. You can even stop across the street to enjoy a meal at one of the small local restaurants and buy souvenirs at some of the local beach shops.

Dungeness Spit

Here you will find a stretch of six miles of sandy beach that leads straight out to a lighthouse. This is a good beach for hikers and you can even find a spot to sit and watch the harbor seals play out in the surf. Declared a state refuge, one of the worlds longest natural sand spits forms an enclosed protected bay that is a breeding ground for native birds.

Obstruction Pass

Also known as Orca Island, Obstruction Pass State Park can be reached at the end of a trail through the woods that is a half-mile long. It isn’t made for a lot of visitors, but its small charm is what keeps bringing visitors back. This is a great spot to go if you want to take a kayak out on the water and maybe catch a glimpse of some of the whales up close.

Rialto Beach

You can find Rialto Beach outside of Forks on the north side of the Quillayute River. It is at the southern end of a wilderness beach that stretches 29-miles. The most popular attraction for many visitors is the Hole in the Wall, a large monolith where the waves have bored out a huge tunnel in the rock.

Deception Pass

Deception Pass State Park is one of the most popular beach areas in Washington. Both sides of the pass are long stretches of beach in the Puget Sound, making it a great place for both couples and families to spend the day.

Second and Third Beach

If you like to hear the calls of nature while you are at the beach, then these two are great picks. Located in the Olympic National Park near Forks, they are some of the most beautiful beaches along the coast and shouldn’t be missed.

The beaches of Washington State might not fit in with most people’s idea of a typical beach, but that’s because they are so much more. They are great for a summertime visit to the state and shouldn’t be missed. You will love being able to watch the sun set into the Pacific and maybe even catch a glimpse of some magnificent sea creatures while you’re there.